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Top members of Arizona's congressional delegation are split on the fate of a controversial free trade agreement between the U.S and several Central American countries.

Democratic Congressman Ed Pastor is pessimistic to whether Congress will get to the Central America/Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) this year.

Pastor, who opposes CAFTA, told The Business Journal that the free trade accord could get overshadowed by the federal budget and other hot button issues such as Social Security, judicial nominees and immigration reform.CAFTA establishes a free trade zone and lifts tariffs between the U.S., Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.

The Phoenix Democrat said Congress may not get to CAFTA this year because of concerns about the agreement and the likelihood of it being overshadowed by other issues.

Pastor worries about environmental and labor standards in the Central American markets. Other CAFTA critics say it's nothing more than a way to open up Central America for outsourcing and offshoring of U.S. textile, manufacturing and semiconductor jobs.

CAFTA backers include top Arizona Republicans and business interests, including Intel, IBM and Microsoft, which hope to open up new markets to U.S. products and technology.

"CAFTA is a good deal for American consumers and producers. It will also help foster economic prosperity in the Central America, which is in the U.S.'s best interest," said East Valley GOP Congressman Jeff Flake. "Congress would be wise to take up CAFTA quickly and implement it as soon as possible."

Both Flake and U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth are optimistic Congress will consider CAFTA this year. The House of Representatives could take action in the coming weeks, supporters say.

"CAFTA will address current competitive disadvantages faced by U.S. producers and will create an alliance that can be helpful in competing against unfair trade practices on the part of China," said Larry VanHoose, spokesman for U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth, R-Scottsdale/Tempe.

Congressmen Flake and Hayworth are optimistic that CAFTA will be passed this year